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Sustainable neighbourhood - Vauban (Freiburg im Breisgau - DE)

Keywords

One of the biggest European solar districts, "positive energy houses", pilot project of ecological sewage system

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Objectives of the action

Description of the action

Results / Achievements

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The main objective of the project is to implement a city district in a co-operative and participatory way with special prerequisites such as: Ecological requirements (public transport, co-generation plant, heating system, RES, green areas) Economic requirements (balance of working and living areas, district shopping centre) Social and cultural requirements (neighbourhood centre for social interaction, cultural events) In the South of Freiburg (3 km from the city centre), on the former area of a French barrack site, the Vauban district has been developed on 38 ha of land in order to host more than 5,000 inhabitants and 600 jobs. The planning for the district started in 1993 and the implementation phase started in 1997. Right from the beginning all issues (mobility, energy, housing, social aspects etc.) were discussed in working groups which were open to residents. Raising public awareness was regarded as key component when planning an environment-oriented district as people have to be convinced that such action not only serves their interests from an ecological point of view but also helps to save money in the long term. Furthermore, change in people's belief system will bring about an acceptance of other policies (e.g. carsharing, public transport) which are not directly related to the process of building a new house. Energy: Consumption of 65 kWh/m2/year for new buildings 92 passive houses (consumption of 15 kWh/m2/year 10 "positive energy houses" (producing more energy than they need) District heating grid; co-generation plant (powered with wood chips: 80% and with gas: 20%) One of the biggest EU solar districts: 2500m of photovoltaic panels and 500m of solar panels Transport: Limited car use: private cars are parked in a community car park outside the residential area, cars being only allowed for delivery; speed limit of 30 km/h and 5 km/h Shops and services in walking or cycling distance Two bus lines and a tramway connecting Vauban with the city centre, the main railway station and the "Hexental" recreation area Water: Rainwater infiltration covering 80% of the ground New ecological sewage system within one pilot project: transport of faeces through vacuum pipes to produce biogas for cooking (together with organic household waste) purification of the remaining waste water (grey-water) in bio film plants Social: Forum Vauban and its standards of communication, interaction and integration for citizens Social work as part of the developing process Groups of building owners and the Genova housing association causing a balanced community life The feature of cooperative local planning is an outstanding characteristic of the Vauban case that can be transferred to other cities. Issues of awareness raising and integration of residents' individual interests have been put into practice in an exemplary manner. It is important to achieve a high level of motivation among residents, local politicians and persons in charge of implementation. www.vauban.de, www.passivhaus-vauban.de, www.forum-vauban.de, www.freiburg.de Contact person: Mr Thomas Dresel Position: Umweltschutzamt Organisation: City of Freiburg im Breisgau Tel: +49 761 2016146 / 6147 E-mail: Thomas.Dresel@stadt.freiburg.de

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